There you have it. Following Chicago’s loss on Friday night, the Marlies now know they have one of the eight Western Conference tickets allowing entry into the post-season gala. Now all that’s left to be decided is in which spot they’ll be slotted and if it will guarantee home ice advantage.

Marlies presently hold the conference’s second place. With a game in hand on first place Texas, a win against Abbotsford in their final duel this season will go a long way. Here are six things to keep in mind ahead of puck drop:

As of Sunday morning both Grand Rapids and Charlotte have also clinched a playoff spot – Grand Rapids in third and only one point back of the Marlies

Newcomers Andrew MacWilliam and Tyler Biggs will wear numbers 43 and 47 respectively – both are awaiting their professional debut

Toronto’s shutout loss on Friday was the first time they failed to register a goal since November 1st, 2012 – oddly enough also against the Abbotsford

Marlies 2-5-0-0 record against the Heat is the only sub-500 against their four North Division foes

A Rochester loss to Albany on Sunday with a Marlies win will mean the Toronto team secures their second straight divisional title